In Episode 7, “The Return: Going Back to Work After Baby,” Dr. Shakila Smith Bay welcomes PA Imani Patterson Simms for an honest and encouraging conversation about pregnancy, motherhood, postpartum recovery, and returning to work after having a baby.

Imani shares her personal experience navigating a high-risk pregnancy, frequent medical appointments, an emergency C-section, recovery, and the emotional challenge of stepping away from work. As a healthcare professional and mother, she discusses what she wishes she had known about pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum life, and balancing a career with family.

The conversation also highlights the importance of maternal self-advocacy, especially for Black women navigating pregnancy and childbirth. Imani encourages mothers to speak up when something doesn't feel right, ask questions, seek support, request a patient advocate, and build a strong community around them.

A major theme of the episode is learning to rest without feeling like a failure. Imani reflects on how pregnancy taught her to release the pressure to be a “superwoman,” accept help from her husband and parents, prioritize family time, and trust God to provide.

The episode also explores faith and motherhood, including how becoming a mother transformed Imani's understanding of love, softness, partnership, grace, rest, and trusting God. From navigating mom guilt and childcare to maternity leave, FMLA, short-term disability, and creating a flexible return-to-work schedule, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for new moms and working mothers.

Whether you're preparing for motherhood, navigating postpartum recovery, considering when to return to work after maternity leave, or simply learning how to give yourself permission to rest, this episode is a reminder: you are not alone, your voice matters, and it's going to be okay.